Chandler, U.S.A. — A USA Today article has reported a telethon put on to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy victims brought in $23 million. The telethon, presented by the American Red Cross, aired on NBC earlier this month. Christian Weems, an active participant in community service efforts, made note of the generosity of her fellow Americans.

According to the news piece, New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi were featured performers during the telethon. Popular recording artist and star of the hit NBC television program The Voice Christina Aguilera was also featured. Matt Lauer of the station’s wildly successful morning show Today, hosted the event. Nightly News anchor Brian Williams also stopped by.

In addition to its featured performers, the article noted the telethon provided viewers the opportunity to take in a variety of musical acts. New Yorker Billy Joel, along with rock band Aerosmith and R&B artist Mary J. Blige entertained the crowd. Saturday Night Live alum and current television stars Tiny Fey and Jimmy Fallon provided comedic relief.

Christian Weems was heartened to hear of the telethon’s overwhelming success. She has a good deal of community service experience under her belt, including the organization of a relief effort following Hurricane Katrina. After that storm devastated much of New Orleans and its surrounding areas, she spearheaded a drive to make hygiene kits for citizens. The people of her hometown Chandler, Arizona, donated supplies that resulted in the delivery of 2,500 kits.

In statement about the most recent relief efforts, Christian commented: “What an amazing testimony of the goodwill of people and the positive impact we can have when we pull together during a time of crisis. Let us not forget that more help is still needed in many of the areas that were damaged most by Sandy and that these communities will need help for years to come.”

The article also highlighted appearances were made by actors Kevin Bacon, Whoopi Goldberg and Danny DeVito as well as comedian Jon Stewart.

In 2005, the broadcast company held a similar telethon to solicit donations for Hurricane Katrina victims. The article noted that show brought in $40 million worth of support.

Image Courtesy : Anton Oparin / Shutterstock.com

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New York, U.S.A — President Barack Obama will make his sixth appearance as a guest on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Thursday, October 18 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, his second since taking office as President of the United States of America.

President Obama’s last appearance on “The Daily Show” was on October 27, 2010 when the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series taped a week of shows in Washington, D.C. He has also appeared on October 29, 2008, April 21, 2008, August 22, 2007 and November 7, 2005.

“The Daily Show” airs Monday-Thursday at 11:00 p.m. and repeats at 1:00 a.m. the same night and at 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. the following day (all times ET/PT). Full episodes, as well as clips, are posted for viewing the following day at http://www.thedailyshow.com/ with URL and embed links. Fans can follow@TheDailyShow on Twitter or “like” The Daily Show on Facebook.

Jon Stewart and Rory Albanese are the Executive Producers of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” withSteve Bodow, Kahane Cooperman, Jennifer Flanz and Adam Lowitt serving as Co-Executive Producers.  Supervising Producers are Tim Carvell, Pam DePace, Tim Greenberg, Hillary Kun and Stuart Miller. Jill Katz is Producer and Executive in Charge of Production. The series’ Head Writer is Carvell and it is directed by Chuck O’Neil.

Available on-air, online and on-the-go, Comedy Central is the #1 brand in comedy and is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned unit of Viacom. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Comedy Central’s press Web site at www.cc.com/press and follow us on Twitter@ComedyCentralPR for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Image Courtesy of  Chrysler-Group

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New York, U.S.A. – “The Comedy Awards” (#comedyawards) are back and better than, well, last year, when the second annual event airs on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Some of the biggest names in comedy, including Chris Rock, Kristen Wiig, Ty Burrell,Tracy Morgan, Will Arnett, Hannibal Buress, Chevy Chase, Louis C.K., Tina Fey, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Annie Mumolo, Chris Parnell, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Adam Scott, and Jon Stewart joined the night’s big honorees Don Rickles and Robin Williams to honor and celebrate the world of comedy.

Highlights from the show include:

• Robert De Niro and Jon Stewart presenting Don Rickles with the “Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence”
• Patton Oswalt presenting Robin Williams with the “Stand-Up Icon Award”
• Politically-themed fun as Tracy Morgan contemplates joining the Secret Service and Key & Peele bring out President Obama’s Anger Translator Luther
• Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (literally) wrestling over their award for “Best Comedy Film”
• The night’s big winner Louis C.K. wondering if four awards is maybe a few too many
• Chris Rock riffing on whether or not the nominees are actually funny
• And much more…

Fans are encouraged to visit www.thecomedyawards.com to vote for their digital favorites in categories including Best Comedy App, Best Comedy Podcast, Best Remix, Mash-up or Supercut and  Funniest Person on Twitter.  Voting for these categories will be open through Sunday, May 6, when “The Comedy Awards” premieres on COMEDY CENTRAL

“The Comedy Awards” is led by its Board of Directors which include such luminaries as: Carol Burnett,James Burrows, Greg Cavic, Stephen Colbert, James Dixon, Budd Friedman, Jim Gosnell, Rick Greenstein, Brad Grey, Caroline Hirsch, Sharon Jackson, Blair Kohan, Martin Lesak, Steve Levine, Jamie Masada, Adam McKay, Jimmy Miller, Conan O’Brien, Peter Principato, Joan Rivers, Jay Roach, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Rory Rosegarten, Michael Rotenberg, George Schlatter, Mitzi Shore, David Steinberg, Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin, Sandy Wernick and Geof Wills.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the selection of the nominees.  The nominees are then sent out to over 1500 working members of the comedy community to determine the winners.

“The Comedy Awards” has once again joined forces with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to endow The American Comedy Fund.  Without a union or other protection, many comedians face unique challenges to succeed and survive.

The Fund provides much-needed financial assistance, health benefits and other resources for comedians across the country during times of need, crisis or transition.  The American Comedy Fund is administered by EIF in collaboration with the Motion Picture & Television Fund and The Actors Fund.

Don Mischer, Casey Patterson, EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group and Charlie Haykelare the Executive Producers.  Juliane Hare is Producer.  Beth McCarthy Miller, the Peabody and DGA Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Director, directed “The Comedy Awards.”  “The American Comedy Awards” was created by George Schlatter.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.comedycentral.com

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Phoenix, U.S.A. – This year, a special group of celebrity wish granters came together to craft a Public Service Announcement [http://youtube.com/MakeAWishIntl ] (PSA) to raise awareness about World Wish Day and the Make-A-Wish mission. Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, among other celebrities, have lent their voices to the World Wish Day campaign. In supporting this important cause, Miley Cyrus granted the wishes of 8 children from Australia, Canada, Spain and the US with a private meet and greet.

Make-A-Wish will celebrate the third annual World Wish Day on 29 April 2012 with thousands of people across 48 countries the Foundation serves around the globe. Other celebrities who participated in the special World Wish Day PSA [http://www.youtube.com/MakeAWishIntl] include Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro, renowned international photographer Nigel Barker, WWE Superstar John Cena, actress Tiffani Thiessen, and comedian Jon Stewart.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish has granted over 290,000 wishes since 1980.

World Wish Day is organized by Make-A-Wish to commemorate the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of what is now the world’s leading wish-granting organization. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer was granted in Phoenix, Arizona by volunteers on 29 April 1980.

To celebrate Chris’ wish and the work of the Foundation, Make-A-Wish affiliates, chapters and supporters from all over the world will be joining in the celebration through wish-granting events in their communities and online at worldwishday.org.

Several Make-A-Wish International sponsors [http://worldwishday.org/en/supporters.php] are helping us celebrate World Wish Day this year, including Mattel, Disney Stores Worldwide, CNN International. Hard Rock International and Ringo Starr’s Lotus Foundation, Brooks Brothers, TIME EMEA, Asia and South Pacific and FORTUNE Europe, Asia and South Pacific Magazines, NYSE Euronext, The Atlantic and Arnold Worldwide.

Mattel has been a World Wish Day supporter since 2011 and continues to be one of our strongest corporate supporters for the 2012 campaign through a generous cash donation and social media campaign. The world’s largest toy manufacturer also makes a difference in the global Make-A-Wish community throughout the year via product donations, helping to grant wishes and the work of employee volunteers through its charitable arm, the Mattel Children’s Foundation.

Jim Fielding, Board Chair, Make-A-Wish International and President, Disney Stores Worldwide, explains: “Everyone has the opportunity to Join the WorldSM in celebrating wishes around the globe this World Wish Day. A wish improves the life of the wish child and everyone touched by that wish. World Wish Day allows people from all over the world to come together to help make more wishes come true. This year, we ask individuals across the globe to Join the WorldSM by taking part in World Wish Day in their communities and by visiting worldwishday.org“.

Other World Wish Day highlights include:

• WWE Superstar John Cena, granted wishes to children across Europe throughout April, including wish children Aaron (7) from Ireland, and Mark (7) & Alex (7) from the United Kingdom
• Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro will grant the wishes of 11 children, including Roberto (16) and Alice (13) of Italy, and Fabio (15) of Portugal in New Jersey on 23 April
• India: granting 110 wishes across India, including Aniket’s (10) wish to be a police officer
• Panama: granting 16 wishes throughout Panama, including Adonis’ (6) wish to have his very own Power WheelsTM toy; A World Wish Day party for 50 wish families will be held at Cinemark, Multicentro where toys donated by Mattel Centroamérica will
  bring even more joy to the celebration
• Spain: On 24 April, singer Miguel Draco Tena will perform songs from his first album, El éxito definitivo at a live show at Hard Rock Café Madrid benefiting Make-A-Wish Spain
• Singapore: 28 restaurants will donate 50% of proceeds from their selected Wish Dish during the month of April; Samuel (4) had his wish to have an elephant themed party granted

Join the World and show your support of World Wish Day by making a donation at worldwishday.org, sharing the celebrity PSA [http://youtube.com/MakeAWishIntl], or by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter.

Image Courtesy of   Dooley Productions / Shutterstock.com

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“The Comedy Awards,” the annual event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy, has announced that legendary comedian Don Rickles will be honored as the recipient of the prestigious “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence” at this year’s ceremony. “The Daily Show’s” Jon Stewart will present him with the prestigious award.

The “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence” is presented annually in honor of iconic comedian and talk show host Johnny Carson, to an individual who embodies the same comedic excellence of the renowned and beloved comic powerhouse.

Rickles, who credits Carson for giving him his first big break and was a frequent guest and guest host on “The Tonight Show,” appearing over 100 times during Carson’s tenure, is being honored for more than 55 years of outstanding work in stand-up comedy, paving the way for countless entertainers.

He is the second recipient of this award, following David Letterman, who was presented with the honor by Bill Murray at last year’s inaugural ceremony.

“Don Rickles is an American treasure. Together with the John W. Carson Foundation we are thrilled to be honoring him at ‘The Comedy Awards’ this year,” said Casey Patterson, Executive Producer, “The Comedy Awards” and EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group.

Rickles commented, “I’ve been blessed with many highlights in my career but guesting with Johnny Carson on ‘The Tonight Show’ was particularly memorable for me as they were more than just appearances, they became events.  Carson was Mr. Magic. He always made me feel that my talent was something special. To receive an award bearing Johnny’s name means everything to me as he will go down in history as the greatest in his field.”

The “Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence,” the first and only award sanctioned by the Carson family, will be presented during the taping of the second annual “The Comedy Awards” at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28.

As the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” for nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson became a beloved comedic icon and a welcome guest in the homes of Americans across the country.

His legendary career earned him the title “The King of Late Night,” propelling him to become one of the biggest names not only in comedy but in all of entertainment.  With such a respected position in the industry, the “Johnny CarsonAward For Comedic Excellence” is an honor bestowed upon those that exemplify Carson’s generous, pioneering spirit and love of laughter.

It is befitting that Rickles will receive this special award, in its sophomore year, as one of Carson’s oldest friends.  Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of his breakthrough, Rickles believes the ball really started rolling on the night of October 7, 1965, during his first appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”

His freewheeling performance that night became the talk of the show business industry and caused nationwide comment among the press and public. Regarded as one of the world’s top entertainers, Rickles has appeared in top showrooms and concert halls across the U.S. and internationally.

He began his career in the early 1950s and quickly became known as an “insult” comedian for the way he would respond to hecklers in the audience and his undiscriminating way of making fun of people from all walks of life, leading to the monikers “The Merchant of Venom” and “Mr. Warmth” (coined affectionately by Johnny Carson). With support from fan and friend Frank Sinatra, Rickles became a popular performer in Las Vegas, where he first started in 1959 and has been a headliner ever since.

Rickles has been featured in numerous movies, beginning with “Run Silent Run Deep,” which was his first film after graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has graced the silver screen with many memorable roles since, including the cult-favorite “Kelly’s Heroes,” “The Rat Race” and, perhaps most famously, as casino manager Billy Sherbert in Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” and as the beloved “Mr. Potato Head” in Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise.

He has appeared on numerous television series includingKathy Griffin’s “My Life on the D-List” and “Hot in Cleveland,” and has found success in the publishing world, having written two best sellers for Simon & Schuster. Rickles continues to be very active on the stand-up comedy scene and is still a popular performer in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and other venues around the country.

“The Comedy Awards,” now in its second year, is dedicated to celebrating the art of comedy with an historic, one-night-only celebration honoring the most talented writers, directors, actors and stand-ups, who provided the laugh track to our lives this past year.

The ceremony will take place at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28 and premiere on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, May 6. “The Comedy Awards” also will air on COMEDY CENTRAL’s international channels across Europe, New Zealand, India, Israel and Africa.

A full list of previously announced nominees for the 2012 “The Comedy Awards” and more information about the show and its prestigious Board of Directors can be found at www.thecomedyawards.com.  “Modern Family,” “Bridesmaids,” “30 Rock,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” and Louis C.K. lead the nominations and fans can vote for “Breakout Performer of the Year.”

Previously, Robin Williams was announced as the recipient of the prestigious “Stand-Up Icon” award, which will be presented to him during this year’s ceremonies.  A complete list of the nominees for the digital categories can also be found at www.thecomedyawards.com and fans can vote for Best Viral Original on “The Comedy Awards” page on YouTube (www.youtube.com/ComedyAwards).

Click here to view a highlight reel from last year’s show.  Follow “The Comedy Awards” on Twitter @TheComedyAwards.

“The Comedy Awards” is led by its Board of Directors, which include such luminaries as: Carol Burnett,James Burrows, Greg Cavic, Stephen Colbert, James Dixon, Budd Friedman, Jim Gosnell, Rick Greenstein, Brad Grey, Caroline Hirsch, Sharon Jackson, Blair Kohan, Martin Lesak, Steve Levine, Jamie Masada, Adam McKay, Jimmy Miller, Conan O’Brien, Peter Principato, Joan Rivers, Jay Roach, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Rory Rosegarten, Michael Rotenberg, George Schlatter, Mitzi Shore, David Steinberg, Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin, Sandy Wernick and Geof Wills.

Don Mischer, Casey Patterson, EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group and Charlie Haykelare the Executive Producers.  Juliane Hare is Producer.  Beth McCarthy Miller, the Peabody and DGA Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Director, will once again direct “The Comedy Awards.”  “The American Comedy Awards” were originally created by George Schlatter.

Image Courtesy of   s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

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It was recently announced that for the first time Amnesty International’s world-renowned Secret Policeman’s Ball will be hosted in the United States. The event – a star-studded, legendary night of comedy and music – will take place on March 4, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

This historic event is a spectacular evening of original comedy, multiplatinum, award-winning musical performers and collaborations, never-before-seen sketches, stand-up and guest appearances, all written around and in support of free speech. An audience of more than 6,000 people will gather at Radio City Music Hall to experience a special night filled with original performances from some of the world’s most popular entertainers including: Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand, Reggie Watts and many more.

“I used to think humor was a luxury, but at the last election Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert taught me it was a necessity,” said John Cleese. “The Secret Policeman’s Ball was  - and is  - a coming together of the very best comedy talent of any generation to celebrate their art, remind audiences how important free speech is, and highlight just how much vital work Amnesty International does to protect it. I implore you to support it.”

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

Beginning in 1976, the Secret Policeman’s Ball pioneered cause-focused benefit concerts that bring together star-power and world leaders to raise awareness about critically important global issues. The Secret Policeman’s Ball has featured legendary artists and entertainers who both share world-renowned talent and a dedication to changing the world.

“Secret Policeman’s Ball has a long and hilariously off-color history of using comic genius to fight for free speech and human rights around the world,” said Lily Sobhani, Executive Producer of the Secret Policeman’s Ball. “We are thrilled that the leading lights of comedy and music are coming together to bring the Secret Policeman’s Ball to the United States for the first time.”

“Entertainers have used political cartoons, protest songs and straight-out skewering of politicians and leaders to challenge virtually every government’s failure to uphold fundamental rights,” said Suzanne Nossel, Amnesty International USA’s new Executive Director. “We are thrilled that some of the most creative political humorists of our time will perform when Amnesty International hosts the first Secret Policeman’s Ball in the United States. And on March 4, those of us who can make fun of our government and walk away in safety will dedicate the program to those who cannot.”

Amnesty International is thrilled to present the Secret Policeman’s Ball, being produced by Amnesty International; world leading producer of global events Control Room; and leading independent creative agency, Mother.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/coldplay

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The Daily Show host Jon Stewart appeared on Fox News Sunday to talk about media bias with host Chris Wallace. The Comedy Central man held his own during the interview boldly calling out Fox News for their constant stream of misinformation.

Early in the interview, Wallace flashed a previous quote of Stewart’s calling Fox News a “relentless agenda-driven 24 hour news opinion propaganda delivery system,” and asked Stewart, “Where do you come up with this stuff?”

Stewart responded, “Uh, it’s actually quite easy.”

Later, when Wallace argued that a clip about Sarah Palin from the Daily Show was political commentary, Stewart told Wallace, “You’re insane… Here’s the difference between you and I. I’m a comedian first. My comedy is informed by an ideological background, there’s no question about that. But the thing that you will never understand…is that Hollywood, yeah, they’re liberal, but that’s not their primary motivating force. I’m not an activist. I am a comedian.”

“Do I want my voice heard?” Stewart continued later. “Absolutely, that’s why I got into comedy. Am I an activist, in your mind? A partisan ideological activist?” Wallace responded, “Yeah.” “Okay, then I disagree with you,” Stewart said. “You can’t understand, because of the world that you live in, that there is not a designed ideological agenda on my part to affect partisan change because that’s the soup you swim in. And I appreciate that, I understand it. It reminds me of in ideological regimes, they can’t understand that there is free media other places because they receive marching orders.”

Later in the exchange, Stewart clearly got riled up and angry at Wallace about the misinformation that Fox News feeds its viewers.  “The embarrassment is that I’m given credibility in this world because of the disappointment that the public has in what the news media does,” he said.

“I don’t think our viewers are the least bit disappointed with us,” Wallace said. “I think our viewers think, finally, they’re getting somebody who tells the other side of the story.”

“Who are the most consistently misinformed media viewers?” Stewart shot back, his voice rising. “The most consistently misinformed? Fox, Fox viewers, consistently, every poll.”

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/

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